Siberian Husky

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Face-On View

3/4 View

Sideways View

Standing View

Summary

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog originating from Siberia, known for its striking appearance and friendly temperament. This breed is very affectionate, playful and needs a great deal of daily exercise, while being prone to heavy shedding.

Origin and Purpose

Developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia as sled dogs and companions.

Appearance

Dimensions

Gender	Height	Weight
Female	20-22 inches	35-50 pounds
Male	21-23.5 inches	45-60 pounds

Coat

Attribute	Notes
Color	All colors and markings are allowed, including white, black, grey, sable, red, and agouti.
Type	Double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and a straight, coarse outer coat.
Length	Medium

Care

Attribute	Notes
Shedding	Heavy shedding, especially during shedding seasons.
Grooming	Regular brushing, more frequent during shedding periods.
Drooling	Low

Body

Attribute	Notes
Head	Medium size, well-proportioned to the body.
Skull	Slightly rounded on top, tapering from the widest point to the eyes.
Ears	Triangular, medium-sized, set high on the head, and carried erect.
Eyes	Almond-shaped, moderately spaced, can be brown, blue, or one of each (bi-eyed), or particolored.
Nose	Black in gray, tan or black dogs; liver in copper or light colored dogs; may be pink-streaked in white dogs.
Muzzle	Medium length and width, tapering gradually to the nose.
Teeth	Scissors bite.
Neck	Medium in length, well arched.
Forequarters	Well-muscled shoulders.
Fore Legs	Straight, moderately spaced.
Hindquarters	Well-muscled.
Hind Legs	Straight and parallel when viewed from the rear.
Feet	Oval, compact, and well-furred between the toes.
Tail	Well furred, set on below the level of the back, carried in a sickle curve when alert.
Gait	Smooth, effortless, and seemingly tireless.

Temperament

Friendly, gentle, alert, outgoing, and intelligent.

Social

Attribute	Notes
Affectionate with Family	Very affectionate.
Good with Children	Good with children, especially when raised with them.
Good with Dogs	Good with other dogs, especially when properly socialized.
Good with Cats	May not be good with cats due to their prey drive, unless raised together.
Openness to Strangers	Open and friendly with strangers.
Playfulness Level	Very playful.
Protective Nature	Not typically protective, more friendly than guarding.
Adaptability Level	Adaptable to various living situations but needs sufficient exercise.

Working Roles

Sled pulling, racing, freighting.

Exercise Needs

High; requires considerable daily exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to run.

Health

Generally healthy; potential issues include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and corneal dystrophy.

Additional Notes

Known for their striking appearance and independent nature. Escape artists and prone to wander, requiring a secure yard or leash during walks. Their strong prey drive can be problematic for small pets and require a strong recall if allowed off leash. They do not bark often but instead vocalize through howling.

References